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1. Does the City of Bay Village have a leash law?

Yes, dogs and cats are not permitted to run at large.

2. Does my dog need a license?

Yes, Cuyahoga County requires all dogs to be licensed. Information is available online at the Cuyahoga County Auditor’s Office or by phone at 216-443-7028.

3. Does the City of Bay Village maintain a kennel?

Yes, the kennel is operated for dogs.

4. What do I do if my dog escapes?

First, call the Police Department at 440-871-1234 and describe your pet. Your dog may be in our kennel or being held by another resident and the Police Department will be happy to facilitate your reunion. If your dog has been missing for 24 hours, the Bay Village Police Department will refer you to the County Animal Shelter as the County Dog Warden picks up strays from our kennel every day Monday through Friday as needed. 

The County will kennel dogs for 72 hours (3 days) and, if not claimed, will put the animal up for adoption.

5. What do I do if my cat escapes or I find a stray kitten?

Please call the Bay Village Police Department at 440-871-1234.

6. What do I do if I have a problem with skunks, 'possums, and raccoons?

We currently advise residents to call a professional critter removal company. Additional information is available from the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center.

7. What do we do if we have a barking dog complaint?

Call the Police Department as usual at 440-871-1234 and they will respond.

8. What do we do if a dog is at large running in and out of traffic?

Call the Bay Village Police Department as usual at 440-871-1234 and they will respond.

9. What do we do if we think there is a vicious dog in the neighborhood?

Call the Police Department as usual at 440-871-1234 and they will respond. The Chief of Police has ultimate authority to determine whether or not a dog should be deemed "vicious." This is based on behavior not breed.

10. What do I do if I was bitten by a dog?

Health care providers are required by state law to report animal bites to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. If you did not seek medical treatment, call the Cuyahoga County Board of Health at 216-201-2001, ext. 1253. The CCBoH will follow up with the victim, notify the pet owner, and monitor in-home quarantine of the offending pet.

11. What do I do if there is a dead skunk in the middle of the road?

Call the Service Department at 440-871-1221 and our staff will pick it up during regular working hours as they do now.

12. What do I do if I have a baby bunny in my garden and I am afraid it has been abandoned?

In most cases, the mother is around and will return if humans leave the area. If the animal is injured, please contact the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center at 440-871-2900 for guidance.

13. Does Bay Village prohibit pit bulls?

Bay Village does not have breed-specific dog legislation. Pit bulls and other dogs are not prohibited based on their breed.

14. What do I do if I find a stray kitten?

The City of Bay Village does not trap or take in stray and/or feral cats, however there are several rescue groups that specialize in dealing with feral cats.

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1. Do I need a permit?

When do I need a building permit? (PDF)

A permit is required for a block party (PDF).

A permit is not required for a yard sale or garage sale.

2. Do contractors have to be registered with the City?

For your own protection, City Ordinance 1310 requires that all contractors and subcontractors doing work in Bay Village must be registered. 

Lists of registered contractors are available online and at City Hall. If you wish to use a contractor not on our list they need to register with the Building Department prior to working in the City.

3. What is the number to call before digging to avoid hitting underground utility lines?

Call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service at 811 or 800-362-2764, or visit e-dig and request the location of underground facilities near your proposed digging site at least 48 hours prior to digging.

4. What are the hours for construction and lawn mowing?

The following activities may be done between the hours of 8 am until 9 pm, daily:

• Demolition
• Excavation
• Exterior construction, alteration, or repair of any building or structure
• Lawn mowing

Snow Removal Equipment

Snow blowers and other snow removal equipment are specifically excluded during periods of snowfall.

5. Does Bay Village have a Point of Sale inspection?

Private Owner-Occupied Homes

The City of Bay Village does not require a point of sale inspection. Typically, a new homebuyer requests a private home inspection as part of the purchase agreement.

Rental Property

The City of Bay Village does not require this type of inspection for a rental property.

Vacant Buildings

The owner, agent, or party in control of any vacant building shall apply for and obtain a vacant building inspection from the Building Director prior to selling, transferring, or conveying any interest in or entering into an agreement to sell, transfer or otherwise convey an interest in such property and shall provide a copy of such inspection to the prospective purchaser or title transferee prior to conveyance of the title.

6. I want to rent my house out. What do I need to do?

Registration & Fees

All rental properties must be registered with the Building Department. There is an annual Housing License fee of $100, which is valid from April 1 through March 31st. Fees are not prorated. 

Annual Inspections

Rental properties are inspected annually. The owner will be notified of any violations and shall correct the violations within a period of time as prescribed by the inspector. All violations will be re-inspected prior to issuing the Housing License.

Short Term Rentals

No person shall operate, let, rent, list, advertise, or otherwise make available, any rental dwelling in the City of Bay Village for the purpose of a short-term rental. Short-term rental means the right to use, occupy or possess, or the actual use, occupancy or possession, of a rental dwelling through a rental for temporary, transient occupancy for dwelling, sleeping or lodging, for a period of time less than 29 continuous days.  

7. What does an "Intent to Build" placard mean?

If you see a placard stating "Intent to Build" posted at a property this serves as public notice that plans are on file with the Building Department for proposed construction. It could be for a/an:

• Addition
• Fence
• Garage
• New home
• Pool
• Other exterior home project

Inspecting Plans & Filing Complaints

The plans will be available at the Building Department for inspection. Unless a complaint in writing is filed within 10 days of the notices’ posting with the Building Director, alleging that the work proposed is so located or of such character that it will substantially injure the existing use or value of the neighboring property, a permit will be issued, provided the plans comply with zoning and building codes. Not all projects require the 10-day intent to build posting.

8. Who should get the building permit, my contractor or me?

Permits are issued to the person, owner, or contractor who shall physically perform the work for which the permit was sought.

Contractors must have a valid and current registration or license before applying for a permit.

An individual can apply for a homeowners permit if the individual owns and resides at the house. The homeowner must physically perform the work for the project.

 There is no savings for a homeowner to apply for a permit for a contractor.

9. What is a plot plan?

A plot plan is a birds-eye view of your property. It will show you property lines, house and any other structure placement on your lot. 

If you are looking for a plot plan you may have one attached to the Title Insurance you received when you purchased your house.  The Building Department may have one for your address in the physical file or electronically, and the Auditors MyPlace Site will have the lot dimensions. Come into the Building Department to look at the address file or call us at 440-899-3400 and we will provide the available files.

10. How do I determine where my property line is located?

Residents can hire a surveyor to determine the boundaries of their property.

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1. Where can I dispose of old /unused prescriptions?

You can dispose of unused or expired medication for free in the drug collection kiosk in the lobby if the Bay Village Police Department located at 28000 Wolf Road, Bay Village Ohio 44140.  Please see the Community Policing Services & Programs page for more information on this program and what can and cannot be collected.

2. Where can I get a bicycle license?

Residents can obtain a free bicycle license at the Bay Village Police Department. Bike registration is encouraged as it helps the police department find the owners of recovered bicycles. You can complete the online Bicycle License Application Form (PDF) and bring it to the Police Station, or complete an application form at the Police Station. You will need the following information about your bicycle: make, model, and serial number (usually stamped into the metal on the underside of the frame, between the pedals).   

3. Where can I dispose of an American flag?

Flags may be dropped off at two locations in Bay Village. The first and primary location is American Legion Post #385 at 695 Cahoon Road, Westlake, just across the railroad tracks from Bay Village. There is a red, white, and blue collection box attached to the wall beside the door.

Additionally, flags can be dropped off inside the Bay Village Police Department reception area. There is a small white bin to the right of the reception window. This bin is collected by Bay Village VFW Post 9693, which meets at the Bay Village Police Department.

All flags from the two Bay Village locations (American Legion and VFW) are disposed of with proper protocol twice a year at the American Legion Post on Cahoon Road. 

An additional disposal location is at American Legion Post 211 at 31973 Walker Road, Avon Lake. There is an old mail box outside marked for flag disposal. American Legion Post 211 takes care of the proper disposal for the flags collected there.

4. Who is the City Prosecutor and how do I get in contact with him?

Gary A. Hotz

Prosecutor 

Phone: 440-250-4908

Email Gary A. Hotz

5. Is solicitation permitted in Bay Village?

Solicitors are required to apply for permits issued through the Bay Village Police Department. Non-profit organizations are exempt. Solicitation hours are 9 am to 8 pm, or sunset, whichever is earlier, Monday through Saturday. No soliciting on Sunday or any legal state or federal holiday. 

Free stickers (PDF) are available at the Police Station that you can post on your property that state: No peddlers, solicitors or canvassers allowed.

No soliciting is permitted at homes on the Do Not Knock Registry. The registry is updated every two weeks.  It is the responsibility of the Solicitor/Peddler to have a current printed list with them when out soliciting. 

To register for the Do Not Knock program, fill out the online form or contact the Police Department at 440-871-1234.  Paper application forms are also available at City Hall, the Police Department, and Dwyer Senior Center. 

6. How can I pay a parking ticket?

Payment of parking tickets can be made by inserting payment into the violation envelope, signing the "Appearance, Plea of Guilty & Waiver" section, sealing, placing proper postage and dropping in the mail. Payment can also be made by paying in person at the Bay Village Police Department, 28000 Wolf Road. Payment may be made by cash or check.

To avoid a penalty, payment must be made within 72 hours of the offense. Below is a list outlining the fines per Ordinance 351.99.  

	Within 72 Hours	After 72 Hours
Handicap Zone	$ 100.00	$ 100.00
Parking 2:30 - 5:00 a.m.	$ 25.00	$ 40.00
6 Hour Parking	$ 25.00	$ 40.00
Fire Lane	$ 10.00	$ 20.00
All Other	$ 5.00	$ 10.00

7. How do I schedule use of the Police Department Community Room?

The Community Room is available for Bay Village civic groups and non-profit organizations.  The meeting room can accommodate up to 50 people.  Please email Kate Keane, Assistant to the Chief of Police, or contact her by phone at 440-899-3413.

8. How do I get a copy of a police report?

Please contact our records clerk Chris Ross. If you would like to verify that a report is ready for release, or if you are eligible to obtain a copy, please email Chris Ross or call at 440-899-3466. 

For more information on records, please visit the Police Records Division page. 

9. Does the Police Department do fingerprinting for a record check?

The Bay Village Police Department no longer completes fingerprint cards for Bay Village residents requiring fingerprint record checks for employment, securities, adoption, etc. Several private companies in the Westshore area provide this service for a fee. You may contact the Police Department at 440-871-1234 if you are having difficulty locating a service.

10. What do I do if my car was towed?

All police tows are done by Patton’s Towing, which is located at:
29700 Lorain Road
North Olmsted, OH 44070

Phone: 440-777-4070

You will need a release form from the Bay Village Police before Patton’s will let you have your vehicle.

11. Does Bay Village have any parking restrictions?

Bay Village Ordinance 351.15 prohibits parking a motor vehicle on any street for a period of time longer than 30 minutes between the hours of 2:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. of any day, except persons on emergency calls.  Also, no person shall park a motor vehicle on any street for a period of time longer than six hours between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m.

If you need temporary overnight parking permission, call the Bay Village Police Department at 440-871-1234.

12. How late can I play music, mow my lawn, etc?

Bay Village Ordinance 509.09 prohibits excessive noise, such as dogs barking, lawn mowing, loud music, before 8 am and after 9 pm. Snow removal equipment, during snowfall, is exempt.  

13. Does Bay Village have a curfew?

Under C.O. Section 531.01, the City of Bay Village prohibits children under fifteen years of age from being on city streets and sidewalks between 11:00 pm and 5:00 am.  Children older than fifteen years of age but under the age of eighteen may not be on public streets and sidewalks between 1:00 am and 5:00 am. 

Columbia Road Beach closes at dusk; all other parks close at 11:00 pm.

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1. What are the requirements for volunteering at the Dwyer Center?

When it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity are the only requirements!

2. What are some of the volunteer opportunities available at the Dwyer Center?

There are many volunteer opportunities at the Dwyer Center! Some examples include:

• Adopt-A-Family
• Bridge Volunteers
• Community Services Advisory Board
• Computer
• Feed-A-Family
• Flu Shot Day
• Front Desk
• Fundraising Volunteers
• Gardeners
• Holiday Caring and Sharing
• Legal Volunteer
• Luncheonettes
• Meals on Wheels
• Plant Care
• Prime Times Collators
• Tax Volunteers
• Woodshop Volunteers

3. How will I know which volunteer opportunity is right for me?

When searching for the right volunteer opportunity, you can ask yourself a few questions to help decide which ones might be best suited to you:

• Would you like to work with people or would you rather work in solitude?
• Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
• Are you better behind the scenes of do you prefer to take a more visible role?
• How much time are you willing to commit?
• How much responsibility are you willing to take on?
• What skills can you bring to a volunteer job?
• What causes are important to you?

4. What are some of the benefits of volunteering?

Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health:

• Combats depression
• Connects you to others
• Helps you stay physically healthy
• Increases self confidence
• Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life

Getting the Most out of Volunteering

Take every opportunity to ensure that you’re getting the most out of volunteering by remembering to:

• Ask questions
• Don’t be afraid to make a change
• Enjoy yourself
• Make sure you know what is expected

5. How do I get started?

Stop by or call the Dwyer Center and talk with the Community Services Assistant Director at 440-899-3442, she can give you more information about volunteer opportunities and help you determine how you would like to get involved!

If you prefer, you can complete the Volunteer Application Form online and someone from Community Services will be in touch.

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1. How deep should the mulch be around my trees?

Mulch around a tree should be spread like a donut, not a volcano. Never allow mulch to touch the tree’s bark, and do not pile it higher than 3 to 4 inches. Mulch too deep decreases the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which can lead to fungal and bacterial diseases. Very deep mulch may also prevent rainwater from reaching the soil and tree roots. It is best to mulch with wood chips or other coarse organic material.

2. Who do I contact with tree-related issues?

If your tree is on city-owned property, such as tree lawns, rights-of-way, city park grounds, contact the Urban Forestry Manager at 440-899-3484.

If your tree is on your private property it is important to have a Certified Arborist who is a registered contractor in Bay Village evaluate your tree.  

To report a hazardous tree, contact the Service Department at 440-871-1221 during business hours, Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. At all other times, call the Police Department non-emergency line at 440-871-1234.

If you have questions or concerns about a tree on adjoining private property we highly recommend having a conversation with your neighbor before taking any action. Finding a mutually beneficial outcome and engaging in civil discourse if always the best course of action.  Trees provide us all immense benefits but can also be hazardous or detrimental. A friendly conversation and the advice of a Certified Arborist will be immensely helpful.

3. What is a Certified Arborist and why should I always use them?

Certified Arborists are credentialed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).  To earn an ISA Certified Arborist credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture, and adhere to the ISA Code of Ethics. To be eligible for the ISA Certified Arborist exam, an arborist must have one or both of the following:

• Three or more years of full-time, eligible, practical work experience in arboriculture
• A degree in the field of arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute

When you use a Certified Arborist, you can be assured they have the training and knowledge to effectively evaluate and care for your trees.

Find an arborist or verify an arborist’s credentials here.

4. What types of trees are recommended for Bay Village?

It is very important to do some research to find trees that are not invasive, and ideally native to our region.  There is no shortage of excellent, high-quality options at local nurseries.

A good resource for recommended tree species is The Tree Selection Guide from the Cleveland Tree Coalition.

The Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership (LEAP) for Biodiversity is also an excellent resource for native plant information.

Don’ t forget to note where above and below ground utilities exist so you can provide your tree the greatest possible space to grow.  Large growing trees provide us the greatest benefits so think about the largest possible tree for your available space.  Contact the Ohio Utility Protection Services to locate your underground utilities.

5. Where can I buy trees?

The Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District sells a variety of native plant seed packets, plants, and native trees including conifers and broadleaf tree species.  Additional information and an order form for their annual tree sale, which takes place in February and March, can be found here.

6. What are the benefits of having trees?

The National Tree Benefit Calculator is a great tool to better understand the benefits trees provide.

There are many benefits to having trees and caring for their health.

• Trees positively affect the health of a city’s residents.
• Trees create feelings of relaxation in addition to providing privacy and a sense of security.
• Property values of homes landscaped with trees are higher than those of non-landscaped homes.
• Trees can reduce heating and cooling costs, thereby reducing our dependence on coal and natural gas.
• Trees improve our air quality by reducing carbon dioxide, dust, and other potentially harmful gasses.  
• Trees create an impression of the character of our city, and make it a more livable and friendly place to be.  People walk and jog more on streets with trees, and residents have shady, cooler places to play or relax in the summer which increases interaction with neighbors.
• Trees provide habitat and food for birds and other animals.
• By reducing surface runoff of water from storms, trees decrease soil erosion and sedimentation of streams.

7. What are those numbered metal tags on my street trees?

The metal, numbered ID tag on a city tree is its identification number. City trees are logged in a mapping database called Arborscope so the city can track their condition and maintenance schedule.

If you need to report a problem with a city tree, it is helpful to include that ID number as well as an address or location.

8. When can I prune my oak trees?

Oak trees should only be pruned between October and March to prevent oak wilt. Reputable tree companies will not prune oak trees during the summer months.

More information on oak wilt.